Congratulations,

You are officially invited to partake in a simple little weekend tournament that decides the champions of the world, the Dookie VII.    Yes, that’s right, it’s Dookie time again.  It’s become cliché, but last year was the best year yet.  Each year our weekend nudges nearer and nearer to perfection.  Last year, we saw some trends continue.

First of all, congratulations to Marshall Mckallip and Dan Beiter on winning the Dookie VI championship.  That makes THREE years in a row for Dan and FOUR out of six overall!  Amazing.  It seems Dan continues to win the championship every year that he is not paired up with me.  He is also the second Dookie to achieve a three-peat in a single event: golf.  (Let’s all try to stop him from becoming the first four-peater!)  The only other person to three-peat an event was Marshall, who won euchre three years in a row (and four out of six years overall).  Two Dookie’s repeated as champions of an event and are going for their own three-peat.  Jim Petzel has won darts two years in a row and “silent” Bob Squires has won horseshoes two years in a row. 

Also, there are two more Dookie’s that will be competing in their third tournament: Bill Spencer and “silent” Bob Squires.  So, we’ll present them with a Dookie shirt and complete the roster with every man being a shirt-wearing member of the Dookie family.

O.K., now, let’s look forward.  The RSVP will remain in effect and will stay at the same amount that it was the last two years: $125.00.  This will be due on MAY 15^th.  It can be given to Marshall, George, or Ryan.  There are several people who were Dookie’s in past tournaments and want back in, so please ensure your place by getting your money in as soon as possible. 

Dookie VII will begin on Friday July 8^th at 6:30pm- sharp.  Plaza Lanes has sadly closed its doors, so this year it will be held at Wildlife lanes in Lower Burrell.  There we will throw darts and bowl.  The same format as last year will apply.  Few complaints were heard and the playing field seemed more level, even though the league bowlers finished at the top of the standings.  (This was aided by the fact that the league bowlers were all paired up with each other.)  As always, quarters will be provided for darts and both bowling and rental shoes will be paid for.  Drinks and food are on you.

On Saturday July 9^th, at 9:30am- sharp, we will simultaneously start horseshoes and croquet.  Both will be set up earlier in the week, so feel free to come early and practice (and drink a morning wake-me-up).  This is Dookie family day, so invite the wife and kid(s).  The grill will be burning all day.  Food- steak, chicken, hamburger, kielbasa, hot dogs, potatoes, macaroni salad, chips, pasta salad, etc.  Drinks- beer, water, soda, huggies, etc  …will all be provided.  As always, if you wish to bring a signature dish, please do.  Your money will be refunded when you give me a receipt.  It’s always nice to have different options when you’re filling your plate, so plan ahead and make a dish.  When those events are completed and night falls, we’ll retreat to the house to play cards.  The first few round of euchre will be played on Saturday night, and the semis and finals will be completed on Sunday after golf.  Feel free to bring a tent and stay the night in the field.  It’s always nice to wind down sitting around the fire and you won’t have to drive home.  Plus, you’ll already be at my house for golf the next morning. 

Sunday morning last year we cooked breakfast at my house.  It was nice to have a full stomach to absorb the alcohol consumed on the course.  Eggs, bacon, toast, krispy kreme’s and orange juice will be provided.  We will again be playing at Oak Lake because of its proximity to my house.  Green’s fees will be supplied, so just bring your clubs and hack away.  The tee time will be announced on Friday, and again on Saturday.  Most likely, it will be around 10 or 11am, so we’re not clogged up on the course with the Gunny Open (which is always on the same weekend as the Dookie).  Plus, the more sleep we can sneak in, the better.  After golf, we will retreat back to my house to cook the leftovers.  We also have to finish off euchre.  Last, we will present the trophies to the victors, and christen the Dookie VII champions.  (In other words, to Dan Beiter unless he’s partnered with me.)

Have a happy New Year and send in your RSVP by May 15th.  I hope to see you all on the second weekend in July. 

                                        To Dookie VII and beyond,